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John Ahern Obituary
Fond du Lac - John E. Ahern Jr. passed away on February 12, 2019. John was born on July 22, 1935 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin to John E. Ahern and Kathleen (McIntosh) Ahern. John attended St. Joseph's Elementary, St. Mary's Springs High School and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1957. He also earned Honorary Doctorate degrees from Marian University and the University of Wisconsin Madison. John was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years Susan (O'Leary) Ahern in 2013, as well as his parents John E. "Don" Ahern and Kathleen.
John spent the early part of his career working in banking in Chicago and then returned to Fond du Lac to work at Peerless Milling. Upon the sale of the feed mill John began his career at J. F. Ahern Co. where he most recently held the role of Chairman Emeritus. John devoted a great deal of his time to numerous industry, non-profit and educational organizations. He served as president of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America and of Wisconsin; president of the Fond du Lac Area United Way, Fond du Lac Rotary Club, Fond du Lac Festivals, and South Hills Golf & Country Club; director of the Fond du Lac Visiting Nurses Association, Fond du Lac YMCA, and Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce. John loved his community and was particularly proud of his involvement in helping direct the capital campaigns for Holy Family Church as well as St. Mary's Springs Academy. In addition to these public roles, John quietly helped others through countless small acts and kind words.
John was an avid golfer and was a member at South Hills in Fond du Lac and Old Collier Golf Club in Naples, Florida where he enjoyed many winters.
John enjoyed taking family trips over the years to many different locations with his children and their spouses. These trips and family gatherings were well documented through his love of photography. John's photos provide a lifetime of memories that are cherished by the family.
He was very proud of his children and grandchildren, Tripp (Colleen) Ahern of Fond du Lac and their children Erin, Shannon, Donovan and Maeve; Brigid (Rob) Waeldner of Yarmouth ME and their children Katie, Luke, and Matt; Tim (Rose) Ahern of Fond du Lac and their children Brendan, Sean, Egan, Owen and Colin; Tony (Linda) of Fond du Lac and their children Kendall and Jameson; Maggie (Brian) Murphy of Charlotte NC and their children Eamon and Flynn. His love for his family was evident and each time he spoke of them he had a sparkle in his eye. John also leaves behind his siblings, David (Janet) Ahern of Fond du Lac, Julia Kerrigan of Scottsdale AZ, Patrick (Trish) Ahern of Washington DC, Katie Falk of Milwaukee WI, and Mary (Brownie) Trainer of Houston TX. He is further survived by his brother-in-law John O'Leary of Winter Park FL and sister-in-law Kathleen Fieweger of Naples FL as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
John Ahern was a man of faith, conviction, and integrity and he will be deeply missed by his family, many friends, and the community.
The family will provide flowers for the services and encourages memorials in John's name to be sent to St. Mary's Springs Academy, 255 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI 54937 or Marian University, 45 S. National Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI 54935.
Zacherl Funeral Home is serving the family and visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM and again, on Friday, February 22, 2019 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 271 4th Street Way, Fond du Lac, from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated following visitation on Friday at the church at 1:00 PM. Additionally, a celebration of John's life will be held at a later date in Naples, Florida.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Ahern
Sponsored by Zacherl Funeral Home - Fond du Lac.
Chuck Immel
March 28, 2019
He was a very good man.. Rip..
February 22, 2019
Losing a loved one is never easy, but our loving God promises to give the strength and courage youwill need to endure, and to cope with the pain of your loss. He also promises to hold your hand every step of the way. (Isaiah 40:29, 41:10, 13) May loving memories also sustain your family during this difficult time.
Joe Guyette
February 21, 2019
Bridget, Maggie, Tripp, Tim, & Tony
My deepest condolences with the passing of your father John. Susan and John are now back together with our heavenly Father. I have the utmost respect for the entire Ahern family and have many cherished memories. God bless you all !!
February 20, 2019
My heartfelt condolences to the family for your loss. Cherish the memories shared through the years .May the God of comfort sustain you through this difficult time. ( Psalm 145:14,18 )
Randy Warobick
February 20, 2019
John was one of the kindest and most gracious gentlemen I have had the honor to know. My deepest condolences to the Ahern family. John may be gone but all the great memories will be cherished and last forever.
Rick Rasmussen
February 20, 2019
Tripp and Colleen, Please accept our sympathies on your fathers passing. The few interactions I had with him depicted his character, one of warmth, kindness, generosity, and sincerity.
You and your family will be in our thoughts. Rick and Lynn Rasmussen
February 20, 2019
May the God of all comfort give you and your family strength during this time of loss. As you remember your loved one, may our Father give you peace in every way. Please accept my sincere condolences. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace constantly in every way. May the Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
C S
February 20, 2019
My hearts go out to you and I offer my deepest sympathies. May your memories always bring smiles to your faces and comfort to your hearts. And may the "God of all comfort" help to ease the pain of your grief.
Jerry & Sharon Klotz
February 20, 2019
Our deepest sympathy to the family of John Ahern during this difficult time.
May you find comfort in your memories of times spent with your Father.
Jerry & Sharon Klotz
Loveland, CO.
Dan Jardine
February 19, 2019
John (and every other Ahern) certainly holds a special place in the hearts of the John Jardine family. A terrific guy who lived a fantastic life with a great family. It was an honor to know him.
February 19, 2019
I'm so sorry for your loss. As you remember your love one, may Almighty God and your precious memories ease the pain in your broken hearts. (Psalm 147:3)
Patrick McBride
February 19, 2019
The Ahern family has been in our lives for all the McBride's. He will be missed tremendously. My condolences are extended to all the Ahern's.
Tom Lackey
February 19, 2019
I was so saddened by the passing of John. He was a wonderful person and contractor that helped me and our members when I became the Business Manager of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local # 214 in Janesville. John will be missed by us. My deepest condolences to the Ahern family.
February 18, 2019
John was not only a good employer but made every effort to make you welcome in the corporate family. He was always respectful of ones thoughts and opinions and I always felt comfortable in his presence. An unusually likable guy! My sympathy to his beloved family.
Dick Vedder
Fishers, Indiana
February 18, 2019
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)
Pat Miller
February 17, 2019
My deepest sympathies to the entire family. John was such a kind and giving man, he will be missed by all who knew him. His name and his legacy will live on in so many ways that he gave of himself. Sympathies to all.
Bob&Elizabeth Ellis
February 17, 2019
John was very instrumental in my life. When I was interviewing for the head golf professional at South Hills, the selection committee said they had seen enough of Ellis, let's look at some of the other applicants. John said "no I want to bring him back for another interview". I was hired. That changed my life very much for the best. I will miss playing golf with John and his wonderful family, and all the fun and fellowship that followed. To the Ahern Family please accept our heartfelt sympathy for you great loss.
Liz and Chuck Wenzler
February 17, 2019
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you
John was a wonderful man and he will forever hold a place in our hearts
Steven Olson
February 16, 2019
I met Mr.Ahern while caddying in the summer at South Hills. I was the same age as his son Tripp, but didn't meet any of his children until years after meeting him. He was a gentle soul, who always had a smile on his face. Later on I played music with Tripp, and Mr. Ahern allowed a group of teenagers to practice in his garage year around. I never saw him that he didn't have a handshake and kind word for me, a trait he passed on to his children. The world was better because he was a part of it. Though he will be missed, his family and friends still among us serve as his legacy, and carry on that good will.
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